With an inspiring performance at the inaugural TWG Series in Hong Kong, China, the USA Pom Doubles Team not only claimed victory but also secured a qualification for The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. For their incredible performance, they have been named The World Games Athletes of the Month for October 2024.
Representing the United States in this inaugural leg of The World Games Series in Hong Kong marked a high point in the careers of this dynamic duo, composed of Allison Hoeft & Sydney Martin, who have dedicated years to training and advancing in their sport.
A quick turnaround
Reflecting on the rapid pace of their journey to Hong Kong, the duo expressed gratitude for the chance to compete against elite talent from around the globe.
“Our timeline was relatively quick as we had under two weeks to submit our video application,” they shared, “but we have been striving for moments like this all our lives. Our mindset was to do the work every day to represent ourselves, our programme, and our country to the best of our ability.”
With an astonishing 17 World Championship titles between them, Hoeft and Martin have developed a level of skill and synergy that is second to none. Their success, they say, is grounded in a training regimen that balances intense physical conditioning with a focus on leadership and personal growth.
“We condition and weight train every day to maintain elite-level stamina and strength,” they explained. Trust is the foundation of their partnership, polished over a decade of performing together: “We both know that when we step on stage, the other person is going to go all in and fight for it.”
Advocates for Cheerleading
Beyond their own performances, the team is passionate about growing awareness of cheer and dance around the world. Social media has been a powerful tool for promoting the TWG Series and The World Games 2025, helping bring visibility to the sport.
“We hope our impact is not only in highlighting the hard work that goes into our sport but also in sharing sportsmanship, kindness, and joy,” they said.
With the addition of the Pom Doubles division at The World Games in Chengdu, the team believes the visibility and appreciation for cheer and dance will continue to expand globally.
Preparing for The World Games
Preparation for the TWG Series was made possible by a committed coaching team and support staff who guided the team through rigorous training and mental preparation.
“Our conditioning coach ensures that our bodies are strong and able to handle the strain of this competitive sport,” they noted, while their main coaches and choreographers “choreograph amazing routines and practice with us every day to ensure we’re improving.”
Their success in Hong Kong, they say, was a true team effort, crediting not only their coaches but also teammates and supporters who have rallied behind them.
Looking ahead to Chengdu
As they set their sights on The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, the team’s goals are ambitious yet focused on pride in representation.
“Our goal for Chengdu is to represent our sport and country with pride,” they shared, acknowledging the prestige of competing alongside world-class athletes in a range of disciplines.
Their ultimate dream is to reach the podium, but the primary goal remains simple: to leave the stage proud of their performance and grateful for the opportunity.
The International World Games Association (IWGA) is a non-profit-making international sports organisation recognised and supported by the International Olympic Committee. The IWGA comprises 40 International Member Sports Federations. It administers and promotes The World Games (TWG), a multi-sport event held every four years that features around 35 sports on its programme. The next edition of TWG will be in Chengdu (CHN) from 7-17 August 2025. 5,000 participants from more than 100 countries are expected to take part in this 12th edition. The latest Games were hosted by Birmingham, Alabama (USA).
For more information, please contact the IWGA Media and Communication team: [email protected], Tel: +41 21 311 12 97, or visit our website.
